Art Eddy III

Who is hungry for pizza? Looks like Ford is teaming up with Domino’s Pizza. The two companies announced an industry-first collaboration to understand the role self-driving vehicles can play in pizza delivery and ultimately the future of food delivery.  And if you’re a University of Michigan college student looking for a late night snack, or an Ann Arbor resident in general, you might be one of the lucky few to test it out.

Here’s how it works:

• Randomly selected Domino’s customers in Ann Arbor will have the option to receive their delivery from a Ford Fusion Hybrid Autonomous Research Vehicle, which will be manually driven by a Ford safety engineer and staffed with researchers

• Customers will be able to track their delivery through GPS via an upgraded Domino’s Tracker®

• Text messages with a unique code will help unlock the Domino’s Heatwave Compartment™ inside the vehicle

• Voila! A (piping hot!) pizza will be waiting!

In 2016, the food delivery revenue for the U.S. was $13 billion and this number is expected to increase to $39 billion in five years. Ford and Domino’s foray into this new form of delivery, and the focus of this research, is centered around the “last 50 feet” experience to understand customer preferences such as their willingness to walk outside to get their order. The companies’ end goal is to better understand perceptions around the delivery experience and ensure that technology, such as self-driving vehicles, is applied in ways that enhance that customer experience.

Next month in September marks the 10^th anniversary of National Bourbon Heritage Month, which was passed by the U.S. Senate in 2007 to honor America’s native spirit. The month-long holiday celebrates the history, cultural heritage and legacy that the bourbon industry contributes to the United States.

If you are traveling in the Kentucky area you can visit Stitzel-Weller in Louisville, which has been home to many of the industry’s iconic brands, including Blade and Bow, Bulleit and I.W. Harper. As one of the stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, guests can learn more about the history of bourbon and taste our incredible whiskey portfolio while they visit.

Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey pays homage to the artful passion and renowned craftsmanship of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery, often recognized as “The Cathedral of Bourbon.” The solera aging process preserves some of the last remaining bourbon produced at Stitzel-Weller before it shut its doors in 1992. This luxurious award-winning spirit is great for any whiskey enthusiast who truly appreciates a fine glass of bourbon.

Suggested Retail Price: $49.99

Bulleit Barrel Strength

Bulleit Barrel Strength is an ongoing annual limited release and gives whiskey fans the opportunity to taste the classic Bulleit Bourbon straight out of the barrel, uncut and non-chill filtered. Originally available only in Kentucky, the new offering has expanded to eight additional markets this year. 2017 has been a hallmark year for Bulleit, which celebrated its 30^th anniversary this year with the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Bulleit Distilling Co., its brand new state-of-the-art distillery in Shelbyville, Ky.

Suggested Retail Price: $59.99

I.W. Harper Old Fashioned

• 1.3 oz. I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• Spoon of Brown Sugar

• Dash of Angostura Orange Bitters

• 2 Dashes Aromatic Bitters

• House-made Cherries

• Garnish with Orange Twist

Instructions: In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle bitters and brown sugar. Add bourbon and ice, then stir with a bar spoon. Garnish with cherries and orange twist.

The summer is winding down. Still we can celebrate this Labor Day Weekend! Whether you’re at the beach, hanging by the pool, or at a BBQ with family, here are a few ‘labor-less’ cocktails that are festive and delicious without any of the hassle.

These cocktails – made with Smirnoff No. 21, Smirnoff Red White & Berry and Smirnoff Sourced Watermelon – are the perfect addition to your weekend festivities.

The Tropical Melon Bliss is made with Smirnoff Sourced Watermelon, a new product that’s gluten-free, made with no high fructose corny syrup and contains just 87 calories!

Patriotic Vodka Lemonade Spritzer (courtesy of Karly Gomez, A Simple Pantry)

Single serving:

•       1 ½ oz. SMIRNOFF Red, White & Berry

•       3 oz. black cherry seltzer

•       4 oz. lemonade

In a tall glass filled with ice, add the vodka, followed by the seltzer and lemonade. Garnish with fresh fruit in patriotic colors.

Tropical Melon Bliss

•       1.5 oz. SMIRNOFF SOURCED Watermelon

•       1 oz. coconut water

•       1 oz. pomegranate juice

•       ½ oz. lemon juice

•       ¾ oz. simple syrup

Combine ingredients and serve over ice.

Garnish with watermelon wedge.

Sunrise Over Moscow Mule

(courtesy of Jay and Leah from The Gastronom)

Cocktail:

1.5 oz Smirnoff No. 21 vodka

2 oz Fresh squeezed orange juice

.5 oz fresh squeezed lime juice

4 oz ginger beer

Fill copper mug with crushed ice. Add vodka, orange juice and lime juice into the mug. Stir and top with ginger beer. Garnish with candied ginger.

Ice pops:

1.5 oz Smirnoff No. 21 vodka

2 oz Fresh squeezed orange juice

.5 oz fresh squeezed lime juice

4 oz ginger beer

Add all ingredients into a bowl and whisk to mix completely. Pour mixture into ice pop molds and place into freezer. After about 90 minutes, insert sticks into the molds. Allow ice pops to freeze overnight.